Ohoka Connor (NZ) Extends Winning Run with Pure Power

Ohoka Connor (NZ) (Sunshine Beach) produced a phenomenal staying performance to remain unbeaten in the $41,000 Group Two Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes Final (2700m) at Ascot Park on Diamonds Day.

The NZB Standardbred graduate had no favours when forced to sit parked throughout the three-year-old feature, but his class and pure power proved too much for a quality line up.

Ohoka Connor was purchased by Brett Gray for just $17,500 at the 2021 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch when he was offered by Millwood Farm.

Gray developed Ohoka Connor in Southland before the outstanding pacer was recommended to Stonewall Stud who purchased him before his first start.

Ohoka Connor continued a six-race unbeaten run when leaving his rivals with no excuses.

Driver Tim Williams was full of praise for the very exciting paer after he worked hard in what were challenging conditions at Ascot Park on Sunday.

“He is a lovely horse, he gives me a great feel and he has a terrific will to win,” driver Tim Williams said.

“I think he was more worried about the wind and the conditions and what was going around him than sitting parked.”
“Credit to him – he cut the breeze the whole way and you can’t take anything away from him.”

Ohoka Connor now looks destined to clash with top-line three-year-olds and NZB Standardbred graduates Don’t Stop Dreaming (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) and Merlin (NZ) (Art Major).

With the pacer having had just six starts and still with plenty to learn about racing, he should be an even better horse in the spring.

“He has got a lot to learn, he is just doing it on pure talent at the moment,” co-trainer Amanda Telfer said.

“When he learns what to do, he is going to be an awesome machine.”

Royally bred, Ohoka Connor is a half-sister to fellow NZB Standardbred graduate Braeview Kelly (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) who took out this year’s A$200,000 Group One Queen Elizabeth II Mile (1609m) at Menangle.

NZB Standardbred graduate Captain Tom (NZ) (Captaintreacherous) ran a strong third in Sunday’s feature, registering his first placing at stakes level.